This Week’s Market Buzz

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Published: Wednesday, 27 November 2013 15:26

According to Wisconsin Public Radio, tribal members of the Ho-Chunk nation are calling for native and non-native people to band together to stop frac sand mining. About 30 people gathered in Black River Falls, Wis., to hear speakers talking about how frac sand mining can lead to environmental damage and possible health problems. The meeting was organized by Andi Cloud, who founded Migizi Advocates for Turtle Island. She says to successfully fight the powerful and wealthy frac sand mining industry, people of all stripes need to band together.

In Glenwood City, Wis., the mayor and two council members are facing recall elections over their handling of a proposed frac sand mine that would be built a half-mile south of a school. Some in the community worry about the possible impact on public health, safety and quality of life. On the other side is the promise of jobs and a better economic outlook. Vista Sand, based in Eau Claire, Wis., said the Glenwood City mine would employ about 40 people, many of them residents, and could spur other job creation.

Two state agencies in charge of regulating the silica sand mining industry in Minnesota are creating a new advisory committee. The Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are looking for citizens, local government leaders, and silica sand industry officials to provide advice as they draft rules for the industry. The two agencies want varied representation from parts of the state where silica sand is mined, processed and transported. The advisory committee is expected to meet monthly at one of the agency's offices in St. Paul, starting as early as December.